Aqueous compositions and their use in the manufacture of paper and paperboard

ABSTRACT

A process of preparing an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C., comprising the steps of,  
     i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate,  
     ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerization of the silicate,  
     iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material,  
     and  
     iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid. The novel aqueous composition made by this process is useful in the manufacture of paper and paperboard either as a mineral filler or as a retention/drainage aid.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/459,835, filed Apr. 2, 20003.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to aqueous polysilicate compositions and their preparation and use as either mineral fillers, strength aids or retention/drainage aids in the manufacture of paper and paperboard. Also included in the present invention are processes of making paper and paperboard in which the aqueous polysilicate compositions are included as mineral fillers and/or strength aids and/or retention/drainage aids.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is common practice to include mineral filler in a papermaking process. For instance in U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,398 describes a processes of making filled paper in which cationised precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is included into a cellulosic suspension and forming a papermaking thin stock containing PCC. The process employs a polymeric retention aid having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 4 dl/g and an anionic micro particulate material, such as micro particulate silica material and swellable clay. Filler retention is improved and the process allows the production of highly filled paper.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,594 is concerned with the problems of reduced strength that can occur with highly filled paper. A process is proposed in which a silicate composition is introduced into a cellulosic suspension and in which the silicate forms a three-dimensional network around the cellulosic fibers. In one system (Ca-Flocc) a silicate such as sodium silicate is mixed with a calcium compound, such as calcium oxide, the mixture is mixed with cellulosic fiber which is then acidified to a pH of between 7 and 9 and polymerization of the silicate occurs. Another system proposed (Mg-Flocc) uses for instance sodium silicate and a magnesium compound in place of the calcium compound. In this case polymerization or gelling of the reaction mixture can be done partly outside the presence in the fiber, although the mixture will continue to polymerize in the presence in the fiber. A further system proposed (Si-Flocc) employs silicate which is then acidified to a pH of from about 7 to 9. Aluminum compounds may be added to any of the three systems.

[0005] The Mg-Flocc and Si-Flocc systems can be practiced by forming the compositions started outside the presence of fiber. The polysilicate systems are allowed to cure by allowing sufficient time to form sufficient cross links, but the system is preferably agitated so that it will not over solidly. The process provides significant strength improvements. However, in some cases there can be problems in achieving consistent formation and this can lead to sporadic loss of strength. In such cases the paper may contain significantly more light spots and holes.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved process for preparing highly filled paper which exhibits improved formation and more consistently high strength. There is also a need for a process which provides paper having further improvements in strength, particularly wet strength.

[0007] It is common practice to use retention and drainage aids in the manufacture of paper and paperboard. For instance cationic polyacrylamides and cationic starch are very effective retention/drainage aids used in papermaking.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,150 describes a binder composition comprising colloidal silica and cationic starch for addition to the papermaking stock to improve retention of the stock components or for addition to the white water to reduce pollution problems and to recover stock components values. The colloidal silica may take various forms, including that of polysilicic acid, and that the best results are obtained through the use of silica in colloidal form. Polysilicic acid itself is said to be undesirable and without stabilization deteriorates on storage.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,220 discloses work that reveals that some storage or ageing of polysilicic acid is desirable. However, the patent states that complete gelation of aqueous solutions of polysilicic acid is to be avoided since once gelled the solutions have little benefits for use as a retention and drainage aid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,220 reveals that the storage or ageing of polysilicic acid that leads to the formation of silica micro gels is beneficial and the use of the silica micro gels with various cationic polymers is said to provide retention and drainage aid systems which are at least the equivalent and in many cases superior of those provided by colloidal silica/cationic starch combinations. The silica micro gels can be formed by acidification of silicate to a pH of about 2 to 10.5, some storage or ageing of the solution is usually required to permit the formation of polysilicic acid micro gels and after the ageing period, which may be very brief (a few minutes or so) the solution is diluted to about 1 weight % or less in order to stabilize it and retard further growth of the micro gels.

[0010] EP-A-0235893 describes a process for making paper and paperboard by adding a cationic polymer of molecular weight of at least 500,000 before a shear stage and an inorganic material comprising bentonite after that shear stage. The process has brought about significant benefits in terms of improved drainage time and increased fiber and filler retention.

[0011] However, despite these improvements there is still a need for an alternative retention/drainage system that provides an equivalent or improved combination of retention and drainage. In addition it would be desirable to provide a method of making paper exhibiting improved visual properties and/or strength characteristics, especially in making filled paper and in particular where the filler is a synthetic filler.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to the present invention we provide an aqueous composition comprising polysilicate which is particularly useful either as being mineral filler or as a retention/drainage aid. The aqueous composition when used as a mineral filler allows for formation of highly filled paper exhibiting high strength and formation. In addition, we have found that when the aqueous composition is used at least as part of the retention/drainage system retention and drainage are at least as effective as known systems using inorganic retention/drainage aids, for instance micro particulate silica based systems or systems employing swellable clay.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention we provide a process of preparing an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C., comprising the steps of,

[0014] i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate,

[0015] ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerization of the silicate,

[0016] iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material,

[0017] iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The source of silicate may be a suitable silicate compound that will undergo gelation to form a polysilicate. Suitably such silicate compounds are water-soluble monomeric silicates of monovalent cations. Preferably the source of silicate is selected from group consisting of sodium silicate, potassium silicate and lithium silicate.

[0019] The concentration of silicate is desirably sufficient to provide optimum polymerization. If the concentration is too low then polymerization will not occur or will proceed at a rate which is unacceptably slow. If the concentration is too high then the rate of polymerization is likely to be uncontrollable. Suitably the concentration of sodium silicate should be in the range that the 1% to about 7%, preferably from about 2% to about 3%.

[0020] It may be desirable to include aluminum compounds in the aqueous liquid of step (i). The presence of aluminum ions will tend to increase the rate of gelation and induce the formation of cross links. This may be beneficial for reducing the reaction time. Typically the aluminum compound will be any suitable water-soluble aluminum compound, for instance aluminum sulphate or alum. Typically an aluminum compound, such as alum, may be added in an amount up to about 0.4 g/g of silicate. Thus in a preferred form a polysilicate is a poly alumino silicate.

[0021] The acidification may be achieved by introducing acidic compounds, such as mineral acids or by introducing substances which dissolve in the aqueous liquid to form acid, such as carbon dioxide. Alternatively acidification may be achieved using ion exchange resins. Preferably acidification is achieved by the addition of gaseous carbon dioxide. The acidification should be to a pH that provides optimum polymerization or gelation. Desirably in step (ii) the pH is adjusted to between 4 and 9, preferably to between 6 and 8.

[0022] The polymerization of silicate should proceed substantially to completion. In this context substantially to completion means that there is no evident further gelation occurring, although it is possible that there is some degree of reaction still occurring to a lesser extent. In one form polymerization of an aqueous solution of silicate can be conducted in a vessel to produce a product that is a uniform gelled solid. However, in this form it may be less convenient to carry out the shearing in the final stage of the process. Therefore, it is usually preferred to agitate the liquid during the polymerization step. Thus in a preferred form the product formed in step (iii) comprises amorphous gelled solids dispersed in the liquid.

[0023] The first three steps of this process may be carried out in a similar manner to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,594, especially in regard to the preparation of Si-Flocc in absence of cellulosic fiber, given in column 12, lines 23 thru 37 and in columns 19-20 herein incorporated by reference. The product formed will contain gelled polysilicate, typically in the form of amorphous solids dispersed in a relatively low viscosity liquid.

[0024] The final step of process may be achieved by using any conventional high shear equipment. Desirably the shearing equipment can be either a Silverson or an Ultra Thurrax Homogeniser. In one preferred form the product containing the gelled silicate is subjected to shearing using either piece of equipment for one minute at 8000 rpm. The shearing must be sufficient to ensure that a substantially uniform liquid is formed. By substantially uniform liquid we mean that the liquid contains essentially no large sized polysilicate solids which are clearly visible. By this we mean that there are substantially no particles of several millimetres or more. However, it is possible that the composition comprises very small polysilicate particles. Such very small polysilicate particles would normally be less than 1 mm in diameter, for instance and at least 90% by weight below 1 mm diameter. Preferably such very small polysilicate particles will be below 750 microns, preferably below 500 microns. Generally, any polysilicate particles of particle diameter greater than 150 microns should form less than one-third of the aqueous composition. Preferably the composition will comprise less than 20% by weight polysilicate particles of diameter greater than 150 microns, more preferably less than 10%. It is especially preferred the proportion of such polysilicate particles will be less than 1% and in particular less than 0.1%. Furthermore, it is preferred that the aqueous composition does not contain any other solids, for instance cellulosic fibers.

[0025] The aqueous composition formed by this process is novel. The composition must be in the form of a uniform liquid. It may for instance be in the form of a uniform gelatinous paste. Typically the composition will be significantly more viscous than the dispersion of amorphous polysilicate solids. Preferably an aqueous composition of the invention will exhibit a viscosity of at least 200 mPas(when measured at 2% by weight concentration at 25° C. using a Brookfield viscometer, at 20 rpm, spindle No 2) and preferably at least 300 or 400 mPas and more preferably at least 600 mPas. It is particularly preferred that the viscosity is at least 1500 mPas (when measured at 2% by weight concentration at 25° C. using a Brookfield viscometer, at 20 rpm, spindle No 3). The viscosity may be as high as 5000 mPas or higher. Usually though the viscosity will be in the range of between 1700 and 3000 mPas, preferably around 2000 mPas.

[0026] The polysilicate comprised in the aqueous composition will normally have a relatively high surface area in comparison to many conventional mineral fillers, such as ground calcium carbonate. However, by comparison to many micro particulate polysilicate products such as polysilicate micro gels, the polysilicate will tend to have a relatively low surface area. Generally the polysilicate has a surface area of below 2000 m²/g, preferably in the range of from 750 to 1250 m²/g, more preferably around 1000 m²/g.

[0027] The S-value indicates the degree of aggregation or microgel formation and a lower S-value is indicative of a higher degree of aggregation. The S-value can be measured and calculated as described by Iler & Dalton in J. Phys. Chem. 60 (1956), 955-957. Typically a polysilicate micro gel will exhibit and S-value of around 12% or higher. The polysilicate comprised in the aqueous composition of the present invention will typically have an S-value of below 5%. Preferably the polysilicate will have an S-value in the range of 1 to 4%, preferably around 2.5 to 3.5%.

[0028] The aqueous composition according to the present invention is a novel entity and can be defined by the unique combination of parameters. Thus we provide an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured in at 25° C. and the composition exhibits a viscosity of at least 200 mPas(when measured at 2% by weight concentration at 25°C. using a Brookfield viscometer, at 20 rpm, spindle No 2) and preferably at least 300 or 400 mPas and more preferably at least 600 mPas, and wherein the polysilicate has a surface area of below 2000 m²/g and has an S-value of below 5%. It is particularly preferred that the viscosity is at least 1500 mPas (when measured at 2% by weight concentration at 25° C. using a Brookfield viscometer, at 20 rpm, spindle No 3). More preferred embodiments may be defined by the more specific viscosity, surface area and S-value parameters mentioned above.

[0029] The aqueous composition according to the present invention may be provided in any convenient form. Typically the aqueous composition will comprise a concentration of SiO₂ which is at least 0.01% by weight, preferably from about 1% to about 45%. More preferably the concentration will be between a about 1% and 7%, most preferably between 2% and 3%. A particular advantage of the aqueous composition is that it can be added into the cellulosic suspension without further modification.

[0030] The aqueous polysilicate composition of the invention is particularly suitable for use in the manufacture of paper or paperboard either as a mineral filler, a strength aid or as a drainage/retention aid.

[0031] The present invention includes a process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a wet sheet and then drying the sheet, characterised in that the aqueous polysilicate composition according to any of embodiments described herein is added to the cellulosic suspension.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention also concerns a process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a wet sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein an aqueous polysilicate is added to the cellulosic suspension, in which the aqueous polysilicate is formed by a method comprising the steps of,

[0033] i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate,

[0034] ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerization of the silicate,

[0035] iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material,

[0036] characterised in that the product of step (iii) is sheared before addition to the cellulosic suspension.

[0037] We have found that there are particular benefits in applying shear to the gelled polysilicate material prior to adding this to the cellulosic suspension. In particular we find that for equivalent filler contents improvements in strength can be achieved.

[0038] In a further form of the present invention we provide a process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, mixing a mineral filler into the suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a wet sheet and then drying the sheet, characterised in that the mineral filler comprises the aqueous polysilicate composition according to any of embodiments described herein.

[0039] The process enables highly filled paper to be prepared which exhibits high strength and improved formation. In particular the paper that is produced by this process is consistently of high-quality and exhibits no light spots or holes.

[0040] The aqueous polysilicate composition should be added to the cellulosic suspension in amounts consistent with those usually used for mineral fillers. Desirably the aqueous composition will be added in an amount of from 20 to 250 kg per ton based on dry weight of cellulosic suspension. The polysilicate of the aqueous suspension may be the only filler used or alternatively further fillers may be used. In the case where other fillers are used in addition to the aqueous composition, these fillers may for instance be organic pigments, for the enhancement of paper opacity. Alternatively at least one further mineral filler can be used additional to the aqueous composition. The further mineral fillers may be any of the conventional fillers and these will include precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), ground calcium carbonate, clay, calcined clay, talc, zeolites, silicas, titanium dioxide and structured pigments.

[0041] The aqueous polysilicate composition and further filler may be combined prior to addition to the cellulosic suspension. However, it is preferred that the aqueous composition and the further filler and are added separately. In some situations it may be beneficial to add the aqueous composition simultaneously with the further filler although usually it would be expected to add them sequentially. For some papermaking processes it may be desired for the aqueous composition to be added to the cellulosic suspension prior to the further filler. Generally, it is preferred that the further filler is added first.

[0042] In the process of making paper it may also be desirable to include in the cellulosic suspension a retention and drainage system. This may for instance be any of the conventional retention and drainage aids that are commercially available. Preferably the retention and drainage system will include a polymeric retention/drainage aid and a micro particulate retention/drainage aid. The polymeric retention/drainage aid can be any of the group consisting of substantially water-soluble anionic, non-ionic, cationic and amphoteric polymers. The polymers may be natural polymers such as starch or guar gums, which can be modified or unmodified. Alternatively the polymers can be synthetic polymers, for instance polymers prepared by polymerizing water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as acrylamides, acrylic acid, alkali metal or ammonium acrylates or quaternised dialkyl amino alkyl-(meth) acrylates or -(meth) acrylamides. Usually the polymers will have a high molecular weight, for instance at least 500,000. Preferably the polymers will have molecular weights ranging from at least one million up to 20 or 30 million or higher. Typically the polymers will have molecular weights between 5 and 15 million.

[0043] The micro particulate retention/drainage aid can be based on cross-linked organic polymers. Typically such polymers may be in the form of micro emulsions, for instance as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,808 incorporated by reference and commercialised by Ciba Specialty Chemicals under the trade name Polyflex. Alternatively the micro particulate retention/drainage aid may be inorganic, such as silica microgels, colloidal silica, silica sols, silica gels, polysilicates, aluminosilicates, polyaluminosilicates, borosilicates, polyborosilicates, zeolites or swellable clay.

[0044] The swellable clays may for instance be typically a bentonite type clay. The preferred clays are swellable in water and include clays which are naturally water swellable or clays which can be modified, for instance by ion exchange to render them water swellable. Suitable water swellable clays include but are not limited to clays often referred to as hectorite, smectites, montmorillonites, nontronites, saponite, sauconite, hormites, attapulgites and sepiolites. Typical anionic swelling clays are described in EP-A-235893 and EP-A-335575.

[0045] The aqueous composition may be added as a filler to the cellulosic suspension as a thin stock, that is after dilution. Alternatively in may be added further back in the system, for instance in the thick stock, the blend chest or the mixing chest. The point of addition may vary according to the particular layout of the paper making machine and the filler will be added at a point of addition that will give optimum incorporation into the cellulosic medium and optimum retention. Preferably the aqueous composition as a filler will be mixed into the cellulosic suspension before the retention and drainage system. Therefore preferably the retention and drainage system is applied to the cellulosic suspension subsequent to the addition of the mineral filler.

[0046] According to a further form of invention, the aqueous composition comprising polysilicate forms part or all of the retention and drainage system. Thus we have found that the aqueous composition can perform in a similar manner to existing retention/drainage aids, in particular micro particulate products such as silica sols or swellable clays.

[0047] Therefore, according to this aspect of the invention we provide a process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, applying a retention and drainage system to the suspension, draining water from the suspension form a sheet and then drying the sheet, characterised in that the retention and drainage system comprises mixing into the cellulosic suspension the aqueous polysilicate composition according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0048] When used as a retention/drainage aid the aqueous polysilicate composition is desirably mixed into the cellulosic suspension in an amount of at least 100 g per ton, based on weight of silica on dry weight of suspension. Preferably the amount will be at least 500 grams per ton and usually significantly higher, especially when used substantially in the absence of micro particulate retention/drainage aids. We have found that for some systems optimum retention and drainage is achieved using doses as high as 250 kg per ton. In one preferred form the dose is in the range of 20 to 250 kg per ton.

[0049] The aqueous polysilicate composition will normally form part of the retention and drainage system. Thus in addition to the aqueous composition the retention and drainage system preferably further comprises mixing into the cellulosic suspension a polymeric retention/drainage aid and/or a micro particulate retention/drainage aid. Usually though, the aqueous polysilicate composition is used as a partial or complete replacement of the micro particulate retention/drainage aid and thus will normally be used in a system that includes the use of a polymeric retention/drainage aid.

[0050] The polymeric retention/drainage aid can be selected from the group consisting of substantially water-soluble anionic, non-ionic, cationic and amphoteric polymers. The polymers may be any of the aforementioned polymeric retention/drainage aids.

[0051] The micro particulate retention/drainage aid can be based on cross-linked organic polymers, for instance as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,808. Alternatively the micro particulate retention/drainage aid may be inorganic, such as silica microgels, colloidal silica, silica sols, silica gels, polysilicates, aluminosilicates, polyaluminosilicates, borosilicates, polyborosilicates, zeolites or swellable clay. The micro particulate retention/drainage aid may be for instance bentonite type clays as given in EP-A-235,893, but desirably can be any of those micro particulate materials described above.

[0052] In one preferred embodiment of the invention a polymeric retention/drainage aid is mixed into the cellulosic suspension before at least one shear stage. The shear stage can be for instance mixing, cleaning or pumping stages, including for instance fan pumps and centri-screens etc. A retention/drainage aid comprising the aqueous polysilicate composition may then be added after that shear stage. Thus polymeric retention/drainage aid can be added to the cellulosic suspension followed by one or more shear stages and then the aqueous polysilicate composition can be added to the cellulosic suspension. In an alternative system a micro particulate retention/drainage aid is also added to the cellulosic suspension after that shear stage.

[0053] In a still further embodiment of the invention we provide a process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, mixing a mineral filler into the cellulosic suspension, applying a retention and drainage system that the suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a wet sheet and drying the sheet, characterised in that the mineral filler comprises the aqueous polysilicate composition of the invention, the suspension is passed through at least one shear stage before applying the retention and drainage system, and in which the retention and drainage system comprises introducing into the cellulosic suspension the aqueous polysilicate composition of the invention and in which the shear stage is selected from mixing, cleaning and pumping stages.

[0054] In one preferred form of this embodiment PCC mineral filler is added to the cellulosic suspension and the suspension is passed through at least one shear stage. The aqueous polysilicate composition of the invention is then mixed into the cellulosic suspension as part of the mineral filler. More preferably once the mineral filler, comprising the aqueous polysilicate composition, has been added the cellulosic suspension is passed through at least one shear stage followed by the addition of a polymeric retention/drainage aid. The cellulosic suspension is then passed through at least one further shear stage after which a retention/drainage aid comprising the aqueous polysilicate composition of invention is added to the cellulosic suspension. A micro particulate retention/drainage aid may also be added to the cellulosic suspension prior to, simultaneously with or after the addition of the retention/drainage aid comprising the aqueous polysilicate composition.

[0055] In one illustration of the invention an aqueous polysilicate composition is made first by preparation of a 2 weight % as SiO₂ amorphous silica gel created by the addition of carbon dioxide to a dilute solution of water glass (28.5% soluble silicate 9.2% sodium oxide). A significant quantity (up to possibly over 50%) of the silicate can be replaced with either sodium decaborate or sodium aluminate or other materials prior to carbonation. The solution is acidified to a pH of 6.9 to 7.1 and allowed the gel completely with limited stirring to produce a silica gel slurry comprising solid gel pieces and a less viscous solution. This gel slurry is sheared using a Silverson at 8000 rpm for one minute to produce a smooth viscous solution.

[0056] The smooth viscous polysilicate solution is then added to the paper making furnish prior to the retention and drainage aid in order to increase ash content of paper last retaining the paper strength.

EXAMPLES

[0057] Preparation of Aqueous Polysilicate Composition (APC) in all Examples

[0058] A steady stream of CO₂ was bubbled into a 2 wt % as SiO₂ sodium silicate solution (Na (3.27) 38/40 F from Akzo PQ Silica). pH was monitored with time using a calibrated pH electrode.

[0059] Preparation of Paper Sheets in all Cases

[0060] Five sheets for each variant listed below were prepared using the following order of addition.

[0061] Standard additions of 0.5 kgt⁻¹ cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) and 2.0 kgt⁻¹ in bentonite slurry (BentS) were used for all handsheets without APC as a retention and drainage aid. Where APC was used as a microparticle 0.5 kgt⁻¹ cationic polyacrylamide was used as the cationic species. Dosages calculated on dry weight of cellulosic suspension (stock). The sequence of treatments is as follows: Stock 5 s PCC 5 s (APC) 5 s CPAM 50s (BentS) 15 s shear shear shear shear or shear 1000 rpm 1000 rpm 1000 rpm 1000 rpm (APC) 500 rpm

[0062] Handsheets were prepared after the final mixing step and dried for 2 hours at 60° C. on the rotary drier.

[0063] Sheet Testing

[0064] Sheets were tested for tensile strength using an Instron 4400 at UMIST according to Tappi test method. T 494 OM-88.

[0065] The paper samples used for strength testing were then used to determine the total filler content of the handsheets by ashing at 500° C. for 2 hours.

Example 1 Preparation of Aqueous Polysilicate Composition (APC)

[0066] The preparation of APC was in accordance with the above description. The pH was monitored and recorded in Table 1. TABLE 1 Time (mins) pH 0 11.05 Weight Sodium Silicate (water glass) = 69.97 g 1 10.13 Weight Sodium Silicate + H₂O = 1007.3 g 2 — 3 8.99 4 8.14 5 7.10 6 7.02 7 7.02 Gelled at 7 minutes 8 7.02 9 7.05 10 7.06 15 7.06

Example 2 Effect of Shear on APC Performance

[0067] 100 mls APC was sheared for the relative time at 20,000 rpm using an Ultra Thurrax homogeniser. The results are shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Ash Content Breaking No Variant APC addition Point (%) Length (m) 1 5.0% APC (no shear) 5 secs pre polymer 41.0 1548.9 2 5.0% APC (30s shear) 5 secs pre polymer 39.2 2163.2 3 5.0% APC (60s shear) 5 secs pre polymer 38.1 2202.7 4 5.0% APC (15s shear) 5 secs pre polymer 38.7 2076.7

[0068] All sheets contained 35% PCC to target a sheet ash content of 40%.

[0069] Results clearly show that shearing the aqueous polysilicate composition improves the paper strength.

Example 3 Effect of Addition Point on APC Performance

[0070] Sheared APC was used throughout (1 min at 20000 rpm using an Ultra Thurrax homogeniser). The results are shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Ash Content Breaking No Variant APC addition Point (%) Length (m) 19 5.0% APC (sheared) 10 mins pre polymer 37.7 2241.0 20 5.0% APC (sheared)  5 mins pre polymer 37.9 2258.8 21 5.0% APC (sheared)  1 min pre polymer 38.3 2077.1 22 5.0% APC (sheared)  5 secs pre polymer 38.2 2140.5 23 5.0% APC (sheared) Pre BentS 41.3 1624.9 24 5.0% APC (sheared) Post BentS 40.6 1592.2 25 5.0% APC (sheared) Replace BentS 39.7 2093.

[0071] All sheets contained 35% PCC to target a sheet ash content of 40%.

[0072] The results show improvements in strength using the sheared aqueous polysilicate composition, especially when it is added before the polymer.

Example 4 Preparation of Aluminated APC Samples

[0073] Sample Preparation TABLE 4 100% Aluminated APC Weight Sodium Aluminate = 5.53 g Time (mins) pH Weight Sodium Silicate = 0.00 g  0 — Weight solids and water = 200.1 g  0 12.4 (post Al)  1 11.03 After 20s of CO₂ addition a white turbid precipitate was formed  2 10.46  3 9.38  4 7.5  5 7.3  7 7.15  9 7.12 11 7.11 13 7.11 15 7.11

[0074] TABLE 5 50% Aluminated APC Weight Sodium Aluminate = 2.77 g Time (mins) pH Weight Sodium Silicate = 7.05 g  0 11.10 Weight solids and water = 201.3 g  0 12.3 (post Al)  1 10.38 The solution gelled Solid after 1 minute of CO₂ addition  2 9.81  3 9.47  4 9.07  5 8  7 7.4  9 6.96 11 9.92 13 6.89 15 6.89 Sampled

[0075] TABLE 6 10% Aluminated APC Weight Sodium Aluminate = 0.553 g Time (mins) pH Weight Sodium Silicate = 12.21 g  0 11.07 Weight solids and water = 200.4 g  0 11.41 (post Al)  1 9.12 No gelling of the carbonated mixture was observed  2 6.98 during carbonation. After 1 hour standing the  3 6.83 sample had gelled  4 6.83  5 6.82  7 6.82  9 6.82 11 6.82 13 6.82 Sampled 15 8.62

[0076] TABLE 7 5% Aluminated APC Weight Sodium Aluminate = 0.277 g Time (mins) pH Weight Sodium Silicate = 13.26 g  0 11.00 Weight solids and water = 200.9 g  0 11.34 (post Al)  1 9.32 No gelling of the carbonated mixture was observed  2 8.23 during carbonation. After 1 hour standing the  3 6.87 sample had gelled as usual  4 6.84  5 6.83  7 6.83  9 6.83 11 6.83 13 6.83 15 6.83

[0077] TABLE 8 Standard APC Weight Sodium Aluminate = 0.0 g Time (mins) pH Weight Sodium Silicate = 14.00 g 0 10.98 Weight solids and water = 199.6 g 1 9.82 2 8.38 Sample gelled at 7 mins 3 6.95 4 6.92 5 6.93 7 6.92 9 6.92 11 6.92 13 6.92 15 6.92 Sampled

[0078] TABLE 9 Average Average Breaking Ash Content Variant APC Addition Point Length (m) (%) 30% PCC N/A 3122.1 30.6 50 kgt⁻¹ standard APC Before R&D system 4412.5 19.0 50 kgt⁻¹ 50% Al APC Replacing BentS 4149.5 23.9 50 kgt⁻¹ standard APC Replacing BentS 3886.8 25.2 25% PCC N/A 3868.9 24.4 50 kgt⁻¹ 10% Al APC Replacing BentS 3903.1 26.0 50 kgt⁻¹ 5% Al APC Before R&D system 4178.4 21.8 50 kgt⁻¹ standard APC Replacing BentS 3964.7 24.2 50 kgt⁻¹ 10% Al APC Before R&D system 4165.9 21.4 50 kgt⁻¹ 50% Al APC Before R&D system 4392.4 19.9 20% PCC N/A 4115.6 20.6 50 kgt⁻¹ 5% Al APC Replacing BentS 3861.4 25.3 50 kgt⁻¹ 100% Al APC Replacing BentS 3436.2 24.2 15% PCC N/A 4839.2 16.0

[0079] All APC containing variants contained 20% PCC to target an ash content of 25% in the finished sheet.

Example 5 Effect of Polyaluminosilicate Microgel (MG) at APC Addition Levels

[0080] TABLE 10 Average Average Breaking Ash Content Variant APC Addition Point Length (m) (%)  5% standard APC Before R&D system 3671.8 23.4  5% MG Before R&D system 5714.7 6.9 30% PCC N/A 2016.8 33.1 25% PCC N/A 2814.1 24.7 20% PCC N/A 3104.7 19.6 15% PCC N/A 3794.0 15.2  0% PCC N/A 6412.9 .4

[0081] All APC containing variants contained 20% PCC to target an ash content of 25% in the finished sheet.

Example 6

[0082] A number of handsheets were prepared with samples of APC sheared to various levels using a number of homogenisers and shearing for different lengths of time.

[0083] The sheared samples of APC were assessed for viscosity and lump weight The prepared sheets were tested for tensile strength, ash content, and for appearance.

[0084] APC Sample Preparation

[0085] A 2.0 wt % sample of APC was prepared according to the method outlined in the first paragraph under examples.

[0086] 200 mls of the APC sample was sheared for various intervals using either a Silverson at 2,000 rpm or an Ultra Thurrax homogeniser at 13,500 rpm. TABLE 11 Shear used for APC samples Sample Mixer Time (s) Shear 1 No Shear 0 Shear 2 Ultra Thurrax 13,500 rpm 120 Shear 3 Ultra Thurrax 13,500 rpm 15 Shear 4 Silverson 2000 rpm 60 Shear 5 Silverson 2000 rpm 30 Shear 6 Silverson 2000 rpm 15

[0087] A 1 wt % sample of cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) and a 5 wt % sample of bentonites slurry (BentS) were prepared.

[0088] A 50:50 blend of hard and softwoods, beaten to 50° SR was prepared and diluted to a consistency of 0.5% solids.

[0089] A 10% slurry of Calopaque F (PCC) was prepared.

[0090] The cationic polyacrylamide and the bentonite slurry were diluted to 0.1% prior to stock addition.

[0091] Handsheet Preparation

[0092] 5 sets of sheets for each variant listed below were prepared using the following order of addition.

[0093] Standard additions of 0.5 kgt⁻¹ cationic polyacrylamide and 2.0 kgt⁻¹ bentonite slurry were used for all handsheets.

[0094] The following sequence was employed. Stock 5 s PCC 5 s APC 5 s CPAM 50s BentS 15 s Shear Shear Shear Shear Shear 1000 rpm 1000 rpm 1000 rpm 1000 rpm 500 rpm

[0095] Handsheets were prepared after the final mixing step, and dried on the rotary drier for 2 hours at 65°C. TABLE 13 No Variant 13 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 2) 15 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 1) 16 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 3) 17 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 4) 18 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 5) 19 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 6) 26 15% PCC 27 20% PCC 28 25% PCC 29 30% PCC 30 35% PCC

[0096] APC Evaluation

[0097] The samples of sheared (and unsheared APC) were evaluated using a Brookfield viscometer at 20 rpm for low shear viscosity and for lump weight.

[0098] Lump weight was determined by taking 100 mls of the APC sample, diluting to 500 mls with tap water and filtering through a pre weighed 150μsieve. The APC was then washed with a further 100 mls of tap water before all excess water was removed from the sieve using a piece of blue roll. The sieve was then weighed again and the weight of APC lumps calculated.

[0099] Handsheet Testing

[0100] The dried sheets were then assessed for appearance using a transparency scanner to give a greyscale impression of the sheet with the gel spots appearing as light spots in the image.

[0101] The handsheets were conditioned at 23°C. and at 50% humidity prior to testing for tensile strength at UMIST.

[0102] The ash content of the handsheets was determined was carried out at 500°C. for 2 hours.

[0103] Results

[0104] Sample Preparation TABLE 14 Standard APC Time (mins) pH Weight Sodium Silicate = 70.05 g 0 10.98 Weight solids and water = 999.6 g 1 9.82 2 8.38 3 6.95 4 6.92 5 6.93 7 6.92 Sample gelled at 7 mins 9 6.92 11 6.92 13 6.92 15 6.92

[0105] APC Evaluation TABLE 15 APC low shear Viscosity and Lump Counts Sample 1 2 3 4 5 6 Shear (speed) No Shear UT (13500) UT (13500) Silv. (2000) Silv. (2000) Silv. (2000) Shear Time (s) 120 15 60 30 15 Viscosity Spindle No. 1 2 2 2 2 2 Reading 27.5 32.7 34.5 20.0 24.8 19.5 29.5 32.6 30.5 19.0 22.6 17.5 31.5 31.0 32.5 20.5 23.0 18.4 31.5 31.9 32.3 20.1 24.0 16.9 27.5 31.5 19.2 Viscosity (mPas) 147.5 638.8 649.25 395.2 472.0 364.0 Lump & Sieve Wt. (g) 141.74 96.548 101.76 113.25 117.67 129.09 Sieve Wt. (g) 96.418 96.515 96.730 96.676 96.289 96.298 Lump Wt. (g) 45.322 0.033 5.030 16.574 21.381 32.792

[0106] Handsheet Testing TABLE 16 Strength and Ash Results Breaking Ash Content  No  Variants Length (m) (%) 13 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 2) 4062.6 19.4 15 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 1) 2539.9 31.0 16 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 3) 3054.9 27.5 17 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 4) 3220.6 27.3 18 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 5) 2837.5 29.2 19 20% PCC and 5% APC (Shear 6) 2787.8 29.9 26 15% PCC 4244.1 15.8 27 20% PCC 3613.9 20.9 28 25% PCC 3146.8 25.4 29 30% PCC 2672.7 30.0 30 35% PCC 2158.6 35.1

[0107] The strength results were averaged from two measurements from each of 5 sheets.

[0108] The ash contents were performed on each of the five sheets separately.

[0109] The sheared polysilicate composition of test 13 according to the present invention provided equivalent ash content (denoting filler retained in the paper sheet) and to test 27 in the absence of the polysilicate composition but showed an improvement in strength by over 12%. Furthermore, although the unsheared polysilicate of test 15 showed the highest ash content for equivalent conditions of PCC and polysilicate, and all of the sheared polysilicates provided an increased strength.

[0110] The Impact of Shear on APC

[0111] From the results in Table 15 the weight of APC lumps remaining in the sieve appear to be inversely proportional to the degree of shear applied.

[0112] During the viscosity measurements the Brookfield reading decreased significantly as the testing interval increased. (All the results were taken after three revolutions of the spindle at 20 rpm)

[0113] Effect of Sheared APC on Sheet Strength

[0114] The level of shear was optimised for this system in terms of strength. The greatest increase was seen in FIG. 2 corresponding to APC being sheared for 1 minute at 2000 rpm using the Silverson. The loss of strength at lower levels of shear could be explained by the non-homogenous nature of the silica slurry allowing the silica to remain in discrete particles and to bind to itself rather than to the fibers and fillers.

[0115] Effect of Sheared APC on Sheet Appearance

[0116] Even a low level of shear removes the appearance of prominent gel spots. The higher level of shear applied to the silica the smaller the gel spots. The sheets were acceptable for all levels of shear applied.

[0117] The appearance of the sheet can be improved by eliminating gel spots caused by unsheared APC. 

1. A process of preparing an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C., comprising the steps of, i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate, ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerization of the silicate, iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, and iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid.
 2. A process according to claim 1 in which the source of silicate is selected from the group consisting of sodium silicate, potassium silicate and lithium silicate.
 3. A process according to claim 1 in which the aqueous liquid in step (i) also comprises aluminum compounds.
 4. A process according to claim 1 in which in step (ii) the pH is adjusted to between 4 and
 9. 5. A process according to claim 1 in which the liquid is subjected to agitation in step (iii).
 6. A process according to claim 1 in which the product formed in step (iii) comprises amorphous gelled solids dispersed in a liquid.
 7. An aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate obtained by a process according to claim
 1. 8. An aqueous composition according to claim 7 which exhibits a viscosity of at least 200 mPas when measured at 2% by weight concentration at 25° C. using a Brookfield viscometer, at 20 rpm, spindle No
 2. 9. An aqueous composition according to claim 7 which exhibits a viscosity of at least 1500 mPas when measured at 2% by weight concentration at 25° C. using a Brookfield viscometer, at 20 rpm, spindle No
 3. 10. An aqueous composition according to claim 7, in which the polysilicate has a surface area of below 2000 m²/g.
 11. An aqueous composition according to claim 7, in which the polysilicate has an S-value of below 5%.
 12. An aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C. and the composition exhibits a viscosity of at least 200 mPas when measured at 2% by weight concentration at 25° C. using a Brookfield viscometer, at 20 rpm, spindle No 2, and wherein the polysilicate has a surface area of below 2000 m²/g and has an S-value of below 5%.
 13. An aqueous composition according to claim 12 which exhibits a viscosity of at least 1500 mPas when measured at 2% by weight concentration at 25° C. using a Brookfield viscometer, at 20 rpm, spindle No
 3. 14. An aqueous composition according to claim 7, in which the polysilicate has a surface area of between 750 and 1250 m²/g.
 15. An aqueous composition according to claim 7, in which the polysilicate is a polyaluminosilicate.
 16. An aqueous composition according to claim 7, and in which the concentration of SiO₂ is at least 0.01% by weight.
 17. A process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a wet sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein an aqueous composition according to claim 7 is added to the cellulosic suspension.
 18. A process according to claim 17, in which mineral filler is mixed into the cellulosic suspension wherein the mineral filler comprises an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C., and wherein the aqueous composition comprising the polysilicate is obtained by the process comprising the steps of, i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate, ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerization of the silicate, iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, and iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid.
 19. A process according to claim 18, in which the aqueous composition is added to the cellulosic suspension in an amount of from 20 to 250 kg/ton based on dry weight of polysilicate and dry weight of cellulosic suspension.
 20. A process according to claim 19, in which at least one further filler is mixed with the cellulosic suspension, in which the further filler is either a mineral filler and/or an organic pigment.
 21. A process according to claim 20 in which the further filler is selected from the group consisting of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), ground calcium carbonate, clays, calcined clays, talc, zeolites, silicas, titanium dioxide and structured pigments.
 22. A process according to claim 20 in which the aqueous composition and the further filler is combined prior to addition to the cellulosic suspension.
 23. A process according to claim 20 in which the aqueous composition and the further filler are added separately to the cellulosic suspension.
 24. A process according to claim 23 in which the aqueous composition and further filler are added sequentially to the cellulosic suspension.
 25. A process according to claim 17, in which a retention and drainage system is applied to the cellulosic suspension.
 26. A process according to claim 25, in which the retention and drainage system comprises mixing into the cellulosic suspension a polymeric retention/drainage aid and a micro particulate retention/drainage aid.
 27. A process according to claim 26, in which the polymeric retention/drainage aid is selected from the group consisting of substantially water-soluble anionic, non-ionic, cationic and amphoteric polymers.
 28. A process according to claim 26, in which the micro particulate retention/drainage aid is selected from the group consisting of cross linked organic polymers, silica microgels, colloidal silica, silica sols, silica gels, polysilicates, aluminosilicates, polyaluminosilicates, borosilicates, polyborosilicates, zeolites and swellable clay.
 29. A process according to claim 25, in which the retention and drainage system is applied to the cellulosic suspension subsequent to the addition of the mineral filler.
 30. A process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, applying a retention and drainage system to the suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein the retention and drainage system comprises mixing into the cellulosic suspension an aqueous composition according to claim
 7. 31. A process according to claim 30, in which the aqueous composition is mixed into the cellulosic suspension in an amount of at least 100 g/ton, based on weight of silica on dry weight of cellulosic suspension.
 32. A process according to claim 30, in which the retention and drainage system further comprises mixing into the cellulosic suspension a polymeric retention/drainage aid and/or a micro particulate retention/drainage aid.
 33. A process according to claim 32, in which polymeric retention/drainage aid is selected from the group consisting of substantially water-soluble anionic, non-ionic, cationic and amphoteric polymers.
 34. A process according to claim 32, in which the micro particulate retention/drainage aid in selected from the group consisting of cross linked organic polymers, silica microgels, colloidal silica, silica sols, silica gels, polysilicates, aluminosilicates, polyaluminosilicates, borosilicates, polyborosilicates, zeolites or swellable clay.
 35. A process according to claim 30, in which a polymeric retention/drainage aid is mixed into the cellulosic suspension before at least one shear stage selected from the group consisting of mixing, cleaning and pumping stages and then adding to the cellulosic suspension after the at least one shear stage, a retention/drainage aid comprising the aqueous composition.
 36. A process according to claim 35 in which a micro particulate retention/drainage aid is also added to the cellulosic suspension after the at least one shear stage.
 37. A process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, mixing mineral filler into the cellulosic suspension, applying a retention and drainage system to the suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a wet sheet and drying the sheet, wherein the mineral filler comprises an aqueous composition according to claim 7, the suspension is passed through at least one shear stage before applying the retention and drainage system, and in which the applying of the retention and drainage system comprises introducing into the cellulosic suspension an aqueous composition according to claim 7 and in which the shear stages are selected from mixing, cleaning and pumping stages.
 38. A process according to claim 37, in which at least one further filler is mixed with the cellulosic suspension, in which the further filler is either a mineral filler and/or an organic pigment.
 39. A process according to claim 38 in which the further filler is selected from the group consisting of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), ground calcium carbonate, clays, calcined clays, talc, zeolites, silicas, titanium dioxide and structured pigments.
 40. A process according to claim 38 in which the aqueous composition and the further filler is combined prior to addition to the cellulosic suspension.
 41. A process according to claim 38 in which the aqueous composition and the further filler are added separately to the cellulosic suspension.
 42. A process according to claim 41 in which the aqueous composition and further filler are added sequentially to the cellulosic suspension.
 43. A process according to claim 37, in which the mineral filler is precipitated calcium carbonate and is added to the cellulosic suspension and the suspension is passed through at least one shear stage and then an aqueous composition is mixed into the cellulosic suspension, wherein the aqueous composition comprises a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C., wherein the aqueous composition comprising the polysilicate is obtained by a process comprising the steps of, i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate, ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerization of the silicate, iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, and iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid.
 44. A process according to claim 37, in which subsequent to the addition of mineral filler comprising an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, the cellulosic suspension is passed through at least one shear stage followed by the addition of a polymeric retention/drainage aid and then the cellulosic suspension is passed through at least one further shear stage after which a retention/drainage aid comprising an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate is added to the cellulosic suspension, wherein the aqueous compositions comprising a polysilicate are substantially uniform liquids when measured at 25° C., wherein the aqueous compositions comprising the polysilicate is obtained by a process comprising the steps of, i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate, ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerization of the silicate, iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, and iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid.
 45. A process according to claim 44 in which a further micro particulate retention/drainage aid is added to the cellulosic suspension prior to, simultaneously with or after the addition of the retention/drainage aid comprising the aqueous composition.
 46. A process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, adding a strength aid to the cellulosic suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a wet sheet and drying the sheet, wherein the strength aid comprises an aqueous composition according to claim
 7. 47. A process of making paper or paperboard comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, draining water from the suspension to form a wet sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate is added to the cellulosic suspension, in which the aqueous composition is formed by a process which process comprises the steps of, i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate, ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerization of the silicate, and iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, wherein the product of step (iii) is sheared before addition to the cellulosic suspension. 